Get to Know Tamari and Shoyu

Tamari and Honey-Glazed Scallops

Made from soybeans, salt, water and a fermentation starter, tamari is a form of soy sauce with little or no wheat that has been fermented for about six months. The result is a salty, savory thick sauce with a darker color and richer flavor than shoyu, the type of soy sauce you likely already know and use.

Tamari is a good example of “umami”, the Japanese term used to describe a deeply satisfying, savory flavor. It lends itself well to dipping, basting and grilling. Foods and recipes rich in umami such as Tamari and Honey-Glazed Scallops opens in a new tab are mouthwatering and irresistible.

Shoyu, the Japanese word for “soy sauce”, is made in the same way as tamari, only with added wheat. This imparts a distinctly sweeter flavor. It’s best used as a table condiment or dipping sauce. It’s lighter and sweeter in flavor than tamari, with a rich aroma and caramel-like undertones.

Stir-Fried Beef with Asparagus

Tamari is quite salty, so to make your recipes deliciously palatable, you may need to “halt the salt” when using it. Reduced-sodium varieties are available. Here are some fun ways to experiment with these two types of soy sauce:

• Use tamari in place of salt in savory recipes.

• Flavor soups, stews, chilis and tomato sauce with tamari.

• Add tamari or shoyu to salad dressings, dips, sauces and marinades.

• Tamari is an essential ingredient in stir-fries. Here are some to try:

  • Pork Stir-Fry Lettuce Wraps is made with low-sodium soy sauce (shoyu).
  • Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry can be made with either tamari or shoyu.
  • Stir-Fried Beef with Asparagus calls for reduced-sodium tamari.
  • Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry is simple favorite.
  • Savory Greens Stir-Fry is healthful and delicious.

• Add tamari or shoyu to hot cooked rice or grain dishes. My favorite is a steaming bowl of jasmine or sushi rice topped with a dash each of tamari and toasted sesame oil, garnished with a tasty blend of roasted sesame seeds and sea salt called gomasio (which you can find in the spice aisle). I’ll often eat this for breakfast topped with a cooked egg.

• Use tamari to flavor salads like Wasabi Edamame Salad with Spicy Rice Noodles opens in a new tab or Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad opens in a new tab, using tamari (to taste) in place of salt.

• Use tamari to season nuts, seeds and snacks:

  •  Spicy Tamari Pumpkin Seeds are spiked with cayenne and brown sugar.
  •  Quick and Spicy Tamari Snack Mix is made with a variety of nuts, lemon juice and cayenne.

• Use tamari or shoyu along with garlic, ginger, sesame oil, or wasabi as a dipping sauce for potstickers and dumplings. Sesame Orange Greens with Potstickers opens in a new tab makes a lovely, deliciously easy lunch or dinner.

• Season scrambled eggs or tofu with tamari.

• Tamari adds umami to a variety of sauces and savory marinades like this Apricot and Tamari Grilling Marinade opens in a new tab.